Manchester United poised to break transfer record for Joao Neves, targeting Benfica’s rising star

Manchester United is strongly interested in signing 19-year-old Joao Neves, with scouts regularly observing him throughout the season.

Manchester United To Bid Transfer Fee For Joao Neves
Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

Manchester United has been frequently associated with the 19-year-old talent, who appears to be one of the most sought-after prospects heading into the summer transfer window. According to Portuguese outlet Record (cited by Sport Witness), the Red Devils have deployed scouts to observe him on numerous occasions during the ongoing season, with the most recent scouting mission occurring during Benfica’s match against Sporting on Tuesday night. The intention, as outlined in the report, is to unite Neves with fellow Portuguese player Fernandes, aiming to establish a formidable midfield partnership.

This extensive level of scrutiny strongly suggests Manchester United’s keen interest in Neves, aligning with Record’s claim that the club is prepared to make a significant financial commitment to secure his services. Allegedly, the Red Devils have designated the acquisition of the midfielder as a top priority for the upcoming summer and have earmarked over €100 million (£85.7m/$107.8m) to finalize the deal. Furthermore, reports suggest they are willing to exceed the €105m (£90m/$113.2m) spent on Paul Pogba in 2016, which currently stands as the club’s record transfer fee.

While Manchester United is reportedly eager to secure Neves, Benfica is expected to negotiate for the highest possible fee. It’s believed they will insist on meeting his €120m (£102.9m/$129.3m) release clause, although there’s speculation that United’s young talent Alvaro Carreras, presently on loan at Benfica, might be included in a permanent transfer to facilitate the deal.

With new minority investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe likely eager to make an impact in his first complete transfer window in charge, expediting business may be a priority. However, the timing of potential transactions is likely contingent upon Manchester United meeting Benfica’s valuation. Additionally, they’ll be mindful of competition from Premier League rivals Chelsea and Liverpool, who are reportedly also monitoring the promising youngster.

João Neves

PortugalPortugal

Age: 20

174 cm

kg

Benfica performance and stats

Benfica

Manager: Roger Schmidt
Top 3 Scorers
This season

In the last 5 games, it has won 4 times and lost once. In its last match, Benfica lost 2-1 against Sporting CP.​​

Benfica will play the next match in Taça De Portugal against Sporting CP on Tuesday 2nd of April in Lisboa. The prediction is Benfica winning the match.​

Marcus Rashford

Marcus Rashford

Forwarder, Midfielder

EnglandEngland

Age: 27

185 cm

70 kg

Season 2024
Played 1 1 Missed
Minutes 46 46.0 Avg
Goals 0 0.0 Avg
Assist 0 0.0 Avg
Attempt 3 3.0 Avg
Passes 11 11.064.0% AvgSucc
Yellow 0 0.0 Avg
Red 0 0.0 Avg

This season he played in total 28 times for 2076 minutes for Premier League.

Marcus Rashford scored 7 goals for Manchester United. He procured two assists. He received 2 yellow cards and no red cards.

His team is currently 6th in Premier League. In the last match Manchester United drew 1-1 against Brentford. The next match in Premier League will be against Chelsea.

Manchester United performance and stats

Manchester United

Manager: Erik ten Hag
Top 3 Scorers
Last season

Manchester United is currently 6th in the Premier League with 48 points.

In the last 29 games, it has won 15 times, drawn 3 times, and lost 11 times. In its last match, Manchester United drawn 1-1 against Brentford.​​

It has a even goal difference after scoring 40 goals and conceding 40.​

Manchester United will play the next match in Premier League against Chelsea on Thursday 4th of April in London. The prediction is Chelsea winning the match.​